Garrett heaps praise on backup QB

OXNARD, Calif. – In his prime and coming off his best season, Tony Romo is firmly entrenched as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback.

But there’s a growing sense in camp that the Cowboys will be in good hands with backup Kyle Orton if an injury sidelines Romo.

“I think Kyle Orton is playing very well,” Jason Garrett said. “I think he’s really doing a good job settling into the offense and understanding what we’re trying to ask him to do. He’s a good player, very experienced.”

The Cowboys signed Orton to a three-year deal after Jon Kitna retired after the 2011 season.

Orton split time between Denver and Kansas City last season. He won two of his three starts with the Chiefs and handed Green Bay its only regular-season loss.

A seven-year vet, Orton is 35-34 as a starter. Bottom line: He’s a good insurance policy for the Cowboys, considering injuries have cost Romo 13 starts over the past four seasons.